Archive for October, 2009
October 30, 2009 at 5:58 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #205: Godly Leadership Listens and Learns
If a ruler listens to lies, all his servants will be wicked. The poor and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord gives light to the eyes of both. A king who judges the poor with fairness—his throne will be established forever. Prov 29:12-14 (HCSB)
With all that is happening in this world today our prayers must go out to all those in authority in our government. Our democratic based “republic” needs godly, ethical, and morally anchored representatives of the people to succeed. However, many who were elected by the people, because they appeared to be the right representative, have fallen prey to the temptations of power, prestige and position, and now play politics to remain in office for their greater good – not the good of the people. In America today the average American has little influence upon who is nominated to run for office in our government any longer. No longer does the common citizen get all the promised benefits of their voice in government, as promoted by our own Founding Fathers when they authored the Constitution in 1787. Why? We have forgotten who the true authority behind our country is: Our Heavenly Father, the Protector and Creator of our great country. And, He intended from the beginning that the divinely inspired People would have the final say in our government. However, slowly the politicians and the political parties in America have taken control of the political process, and the People are mere electors of men and women who they often do not know, and they too have fallen pray to trusting in the political parties’ choices. We are forced to rely on propaganda and all the mud slinging to help decide who to vote for. In the end, we select what we think is the better choice based upon the lies of the campaign, and then we feel helpless with the results.
We need a change in America. We need to seek God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word once again to identify the right men and women to be elected into office. We need true representatives of the People again. We need rightly guided, ethical and morally anchored people to guide our country. As the passage says, the Lord provides His revelation of the truth to both the people in authority and to the people under their authority. When both the government and the governed are at peace with one another, then the Lord’s will is being accomplished. That is what is known as the divine principle of Popular Sovereignty, and it is what the people need to regain an understanding about in our country.
Lord, it is my prayer that You will shed your light upon the hearts of every government official in our land, and reveal the righteous ones from the selfish ones. Lord, I pray You will once again shed your light upon the People of the land so that they may realize the authority of our country lies within their voice, and not in the hands of the politicians. Lord, the strength of unity in our country comes through the sharing of diverse ideas and opinions, but in an open and truthful debate, that relies upon finding common ground for the common good of the country, not the benefits of individuals for their purposes. Lord, I pray You will save our country and stir the hearts and souls of the People so that our country may be preserved for our descendants to enjoy and to prosper within for future generations. Finally, Lord, may Your Will, Ways and Wisdom prevail on earth as it does in Heaven… Amen
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do good and you will have its approval. For government is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath, but also because of your conscience. And for this reason you pay taxes, since the [authorities] are God’s public servants, continually attending to these tasks. Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor. Romans 13:1-7 (HCSB)
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. (Preamble of US Constitution)
October 29, 2009 at 5:29 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom # 204: When Words are Too Much!
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. An evil man is caught by sin, but the righteous one sings and rejoices. The righteous person knows the rights of the poor, but the wicked one does not understand these concerns. Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger. If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be ranting and raving but no resolution. Bloodthirsty men hate an honest person, but the upright care about him. A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man holds it in check. Prov 29:5-11 (HCSB)
Our tongue can be a gift or a curse depending upon how we use it and con control it. The Bible refers to it repeatedly, and warns us of the risk if we cannot control the words that roll off our tongue.
Flattery is self-serving and only is intended to persuade others to fulfill our needs, but sooner or later people tire of empty words that lack true sincerity. The words of a self-focused person never fall upon those who cannot help them in some manner. Those who are considered “poor” or “less fortunate” receive no time of the selfish, and their words never float to encourage others to help those who have needs themselves.
Then there are those who seek to only find the wrong in everyone and they mock or talk against those who are in leadership in the community. The mocker cannot be satisfied unless they are stirring trouble to draw attention to themselves. However, the wise recognize the emptiness of such words and ignore the mocking. Even when the same person sends false accusations and the wise are brought to court by the empty words of the mocker, the foolishness will be revealed before the judge as the mockers words will fall on deaf ears even when delivered in anger and frustration.
An honest and wise person controls their temper, and they always remain calm when the mockers and fools of this world play out their schemes through their ranting and raving. The honest and wise trust in others to come to their aid; and the words of the fool falls harmlessly onto the unyielding ground.
The key to this passage is to recognize the flatterers, mockers, and fools of this world, and to understand the folly. How can we know? When we spend time seeking God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word, we discover God’s gift of His Spirit is guiding what we hear and respond to in our life. We never get angry at the flatterer, mocker or fool – we pray for them and seek that they realize the folly of their selfish schemes. A wise and honest person under God’s direction knows there is no worthy purpose trying to correct or argue with a fool. Always think before we speak in response to the foolish words that are seeking a response. Never fuel that fire, but pray for the source to be changed. Make a positive impact without engaging in words but by your actions that honor God and His purposes.
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
“Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward! But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. When you pray, don’t babble like the idolaters, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask Him.” Matt 6:5-8 (HCSB)
October 28, 2009 at 5:35 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #203: Arrogance Demands Loyalty
One who becomes stiff-necked, after many reprimands will be broken suddenly—and without a remedy. When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, people groan. A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth. By justice a king brings stability to a land, but a man [who demands] “contributions” demolishes it. Prov 29:1-4 (HCSB)
Arrogance is a disease that corrupts the person infected and causes others to feel its side affects. The symptoms of arrogance are the appearance of desiring to stand taller than anyone else around you; also, head tilted higher than all the others in the room. Likewise, arrogance causes the tightening of the lower lip, which is a sign of man looking for any challengers. The result of such a posture for most men is a stiff-neck, but to the arrogant, they hardly notice that their neck has been stretched out so far. It is ironic too, the more people comment about their arrogance, the more upright and tight-lipped they become.
When the arrogant engage in an argument, they defend their position aggressively, and almost dare anyone to challenge their authority on the matter. Their counselors are paid consorts that soothe and stroke their arrogance, knowing that as long as they are happy they will be well compensated. They gladly sell themselves off to arrogance of others because they are not interested in telling the truth, but to becoming richer by not telling the truth.
Sadly, the arrogant find they are spending more than they have and they must resort to demanding from others what they need. Their counselors urge the need for more money because they desire to continue to reap the rewards the arrogance is overflowing upon them.
With the arrogant-infected, justice is not a question of what is right and wrong before the eyes of the Lord, but before the eyes and the hardened heart of the arrogant-infected heart. The only wisdom found with the arrogant is self-serving wisdom.
There is but one cure for the “arrogance” that infests our world, and that is being vaccinated by the Spirit of God whereby the stiff-neck and tight lip and hardened heart can be softened by the hearing and response to God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word. Many an arrogant man has collapsed before the Lord and humbled themselves, and been cleansed of their arrogance, but it must be a willing act of contrition by the arrogant. The disease that infects them will not allow them to be coerced or required to repentance. They must hear and respond to the Lord’s authority to realize the benefit to them and others.
In our world the arrogant thrive, but there is hope! Pray fervently for them, and continue to share the Word of God by the responses that come forth from the hearts of those who genuinely care about seeing a real change come upon the arrogant in their life. The Lord will be faithful: change will come! Either he will be internally changed or externally broken – but either way his arrogance will be removed. Allow the Lord’s will to be done.
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles. Therefore God delivered them over in the cravings of their hearts to sexual impurity, so that their bodies were degraded among themselves. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served something created instead of the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. Romans 1:21-25 (HCSB)
October 27, 2009 at 5:19 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #202: The Wicked versus the Wise of the World
One who rebukes a person will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue. The one who robs his father or mother and says, “That’s no sin,” is a companion to a man who destroys. A greedy person provokes conflict, but whoever trusts in the Lord will prosper. The one who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. The one who gives to the poor will not be in need, but one who turns his eyes away will receive many curses. When the wicked come to power, people hide, but when they are destroyed, the righteous flourish. Prov 28:23-28 (HCSB)
Consider the world that we live in, it is full of both the wicked and the wise, but how can we separate them and know who to follow? The Lord clearly contrasts them in this manner:
The wicked are marked by their smooth words that tend to flatter everyone; their conscience conceals their self-centered motives, and they would take advantage of even their closest friends and family if it served their interests, and thus they seem to be surrounded by confusion, chaos, and even conflict. The wicked only trust in themselves, neither seeking nor accepting counsel from others. The wicked despises the poor and gives nothing, including a nod to those in need. The wicked in leadership are lonely because they provoke fear from even their closest friends.
The wise are marked by a confident spirit founded upon the Lord’s wisdom and direction, and they genuinely care about others. The wise will offer carefully considered rebukes to those whose actions and attitudes are at risk. The wise is content in whatever state the Lord has placed them, and praises the Lord. Thus the Lord prospers the wise because they are trustworthy with what the Lord provides that person. The wise walk securely wherever they go because they know the Lord walks with them as their strength, their shield, and their savior. The wise seek out opportunities to help others less fortunate than themselves, and makes the poor feel blessed. The wise trust the Lord’s provision will never be exhausted when you are serving in His will. It is the wicked that others flock to for guidance and direction, and they have plenty of others who desire to serve with them.
In our world, we need more wise leaders and less of the wily wicked ones. We need to be able to have the discernment from the Lord so we can separate out the wise from the wicked. How can we choose wisely? Invest time with the Lord and seek God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word, and He will give your spiritual understanding.
We need to come out from our hiding and not be complacent or afraid we can make not difference. We need to serve the Lord by joining with the wise, and making a genuine difference in our world. The wicked will stumble and the wise will prevail.
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world that He might judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. Anyone who believes in Him is not judged, but anyone who does not believe is already judged, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God.
“This, then, is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.” John 3:16-21 (HCSB)
October 26, 2009 at 5:41 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #201: The Easy Way is not the Right Way!
The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. A faithful man will have many blessings, but one in a hurry to get rich will not go unpunished. It is not good to show partiality — yet a man may sin for a piece of bread. A greedy man is in a hurry for wealth; he doesn’t know that poverty will come to him. Prov 28:19-22 (HCSB)
Throughout life there will be many crossroads where a decision will have to be made. But before one should make a decision about which way to go, one must consider carefully what he or she sees down that road. If the road appears too wide and easy to travel, and free of any uphill stretches, beware! If the road appears to reveal the destination you are seeking is shorter and easier to reach – take care before choosing the path. Look closer at the other road choice. Does it seem like the pathway is narrower and there are some evident uphill and downhill stretches with some curves that blind you of the final destination. Does it seem like the longer route to take? But beware; appearances are often deceiving in life. Are you looking at the choices through your selfish eyes? Do you only desire the easier route? Are you afraid of a little effort will make the destination not worth it? What should you do before proceeding to choose your way? Should you wait and see what everyone is doing? Should you follow the crowd? Certainly that would justify a right decision, right?
Making life-altering spiritual decisions is not a popularity proposition. Life is not about looking at the latest public opinion poll to make a decision. Success and its rewards come when a task or journey has been accomplished with right thinking at the right times, making right choices to realize right consequences. But how do I know when I am acting rightly? There is but one right way and that is God’s way! All other ways are man’s ways. To discover the right ways take the time to seek God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word at all the cross roads in life. He will guide you by giving you clarity between the choices.
With spiritually inspired eyes, the easier path where so many are traveling because it appears there are no obstacles and uphill climbs to get the destination now comes into focus. What you are allowed to see is the chasm just down the wide pathway that swallows everyone up before they ever reach the destination on the other side that no one ever really reaches. And on the narrow winding and bending pathway, you are able to see that behind that last stretch of the road there is the Lord pointing the way and encouraging you towards the destination you really seek. It may take more effort but His encouragement inspires you to reach the final reward that is right around the corner.
Note: even a wide highway can get too crowded and accidents occur as too many people race to their destinations. Like the interstate highways, there are always people racing in and out risking the safety of others because they are in a hurry, and that’s when innocent people are killed and others injured and the wide highway becomes a cluttered parking lot. That is why sometimes it is best to take the more scenic but slower route to your destination – you will have the opportunity to see rewarding sights and learn something about life as you follow the narrower, less traveled road that the Lord desires for you to travel.
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
“Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.” Matt 7:13-14 (HCSB)
October 24, 2009 at 9:12 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #200: The Righteous Leader is Rewarded by the People
When the righteous triumph, there is great rejoicing, but when the wicked come to power, people hide themselves. The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. Happy is the one who is always reverent, but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble. A wicked ruler over a helpless people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear. A leader who lacks understanding is very oppressive, but one who hates unjust gain prolongs his life. A man burdened by bloodguilt will be a fugitive until death. Let no one help him. The one who lives with integrity will be helped, but one who distorts right and wrong will suddenly fall. Prov 28:12-18 (HCSB)
Leadership is a quality that is a gift from God, never to be taken lightly. Clearly there comes much responsibility and accountability with the authority of any leadership position. God clearly has stated that to whom much is given, much is expected. (Luke 12:48) From the role of teachers in the classrooms to President of our country, leaders must submit their will to God’s will, their ways to God’s ways, and their wisdom to God’s wisdom, seeking counsel not just from men, but God’s Word. This kind of righteous leadership begins with a prayed up, confessed up heart that seeks to be right with God, before he or she can stand successfully in the test of authority before the people they are responsible for and accountable to.
The risk that comes with leadership is clearly seen in this passage, whereby the person who sits in the seat of leadership will be revealed for who they truly are. If they are assuming leadership but have a wicked heart, they will try to conceal their selfish desires, but ultimately will stumble under the strain of the position of leadership. Success will not come to the false leader – if his or her heart is not open to God’s direction, then their hardened heart will bring trouble to not only them but also to whom they are responsible and accountable. A false leader will devour all for his or her personal agenda, rather than feed and prosper the people they have been entrusted to lead and guide.
Look back upon history to prove God’s hand upon the leaders of the people. If they have been wicked and suppressive, focused on selfish gains and schemes, they have been swept into the hall of the infamous. However, for those who have been truly righteous leaders of the people, whether teachers or even Presidents and other high-profile leaders, they have been blessed by the people they have impacted, and God’s hand has guided and protected them as godly, righteous leaders. Their names have endured in the hall of the faithful and famous.
All of us have a leader above us, and are accountable to someone or some group of leaders. Beware of whom we allow to lead us. Do not act like helpless people willing to be devoured as a result of our ignorance or naïve trust in others. God expresses His will through His people. In our society the people decide who will lead them, and who they will follow and trust. So I conclude this thought today with this: Who is the greater fool – the fool who assumes the role of leader, or the fool who follows a fool as their leader?
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
Now as they (Peter and John) were speaking to the people, the priests, the commander of the temple guard, and the Sadducees confronted them, because they were provoked that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in the person of Jesus the resurrection from the dead. …But many of those who heard the message believed, and the number of the men came to about 5,000. The next day, their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem …After they had Peter and John stand before them, they asked the question: “By what power or in what name have you done this?” Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders: If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a disabled man—by what means he was healed— let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead—by Him this man is standing here before you healthy. Acts 4:1-10 (HCSB)
October 23, 2009 at 5:50 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #199: Beware Fame and Fortune Fades Fast!
Better a poor man who lives with integrity than a rich man who distorts right and wrong. A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons humiliates his father. Whoever increases his wealth through excessive interest collects it for one who is kind to the poor. Anyone who turns his ear away from hearing the law—even his prayer is detestable. The one who leads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good. A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him. When the righteous triumph, there is great rejoicing, but when the wicked come to power, people hide themselves. Prov 28:6-12 (HCSB)
It has been said it is hard to separate the fool from his money. This is true. Consider how many people who through their instantaneous fame have also realized instant fortune as well, and both are taken for granted and disappear as fast as they appear. Fame and fortune are fleeting perspectives we have about people in our world today. Consider how quickly we forget the famous from just last year or a decade ago! And as fast as the fame fades, so does the fortune they had while they were famous. Consider Michael Jackson. What did his fame and fortune bring to his life, and now that he is gone, what legacy is left behind?
What about all the professional athletes that go from the poor house to the mansions of the rich and famous almost overnight? And how many are still holding onto their fame and fortune in a few short years after they sign that contract? It is sad, but so much attention is paid to the less than 1%, who made it big, and their careers have lasted long enough to mature and they have invested their fame and fortune wisely. We tend to not get reminded of the 99% who are like the wind that blows through the storm. We are awed when they first arrive but quickly forget about them shortly after they are gone.
Outside of sports where the spot light rests, consider the politicians that rise up quickly and fade as fast. Power and fame does corrupt even in politics as well. Only the seasoned and wisest politicians endure the trials and tribulations of high profile politics today. Those who come onto the scene only for selfish ambitious reasons for fame and fortune will not last. Just like the pro athletes and movie and television personalities, it is “the people” that give the fame and fortune, and it is “the people” that will take it away as their eyes and ears shift away to others on the horizon. Only a very few ever make it beyond the dawn of their careers, because “the people” only will continue to follow and support the genuinely good people over time. For those who are corrupted by their instant fame and fortune, the people will tire of their foolishness and their folly.
A truly great person acts as if he is poor and humble even when he is wealthy and famous. A truly good person continues to remember what is right and what is wrong, even when he can do whatever he wants to do with his fame and fortune. A truly good person remembers his fame and fortune was a gift from God and that He is expects much from those He gives much! A truly good person encourages others and inspires others through their life, and they honor and point to the author and creator of real life! A really good person will gladly give up all the fame and fortune rather than their relationship with God, or to lose their friends and family because of their notoriety and wealth. A truly good person may hire a lot of counselors and advisors, but he never decides anything about life without consulting God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word.
Who is famous today who we will remember tomorrow? Who will cause their selves to be forgotten or to become a member of the infamous? Which were godly, good men and women? Where were not?
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
Then He said, “What comes out of a person—that defiles him. For from within, out of people’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immoralities, thefts, murders, adulteries, greed, evil actions, deceit, lewdness, stinginess, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a person.” Mark 7:20-23 (HCSB)
October 22, 2009 at 5:50 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #198: Perspectives on Godly Leadership in the Land
The wicked flee when no one is pursuing [them], but the righteous are as bold as a lion. When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures. A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food. Those who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law battle against them. Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand everything. Prov 28:1-5 (HCSB)
In the last 10 years there has been a constant outcry in the land for the elected leaders of our country to listen to the people, and be more sensitive to the needs of the people. However, there has been a stream of leaders making it to Congress and into the White House who have felt a mandate was given to them to only do what they thought was right in their eyes and in their heart, regardless of public opinion. So how do we find the righteous leaders among the selfish leaders? Well, the wicked ones are the self-interested, self-centered leaders who are trying to make a name for their selves even when nothing worthy is happening around them. However, the truly righteous leaders in Congress and in the White House stand tall against the political insider activity and forgo their own interests when issues come up that impact the people, and they know what the people desire, and act in response to it.
What person is so arrogant to tell the people what they need even when they are causing a major contention in the hearts of the people? Leaders are under God’s accountability and ultimately will be judged by His standards, and the hearts of the people are a reflection of God’s will on most matters. When a leader stirs up contention another sign of leadership problems is when other leaders rise up in protest to compete for the hearts of the dissenting people. That is certainly a sign of a leader not leading according to the will of God and the will of the people.
In ancient China the term was “Mandate of Heaven” and it referred to the course of events in the reign of a ruler that dictated that ruler’s destiny. If he was successful and the crops were plentiful and enemies defeated, the ruler was reportedly receiving an affirmation of his right to rule from heaven. However, when dissension and rebellion resided in the land and events were threatening the security and prosperity of the people then those events marked the end of the ruler’s effectiveness and the ruler was replaced.
In America, the Mandate of Heaven is played out in the elections of our leaders, and when there is dissension stirred up in the hearts of the people, then even the oldest and most secure leader in Congress is subject to being replaced. An elected leader should never feel so secure that he or she can forget the will of the people who elected them into office is why they are there. When they begin to feel empowered with wisdom that is greater than the people, they fall at risk to the outcry of the people at the next election.
And, one certain way to gather a storm against yourself as a leader is to place undeserving and burdensome stress of uncertainty upon the people, immediate and long term. Throughout God’s history of man, government leaders who have suppressed their citizens with excessive debt and taxes have faced rebellion and even civil wars. The Roman Empire crumbled upon itself because of such issues.
How can leaders remain the leaders that they were elected to be? We need righteous leaders who walk in humility before an awesome God. Godly leadership seeks after God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word. These leaders will outlast all the others and the people will rally around them. In the Bible there were many examples of godly versus ungodly rulers and their fates recorded. And, we saw what happens when even godly rulers lose sight of God’s leadership in their lives – division, rebellion, and dissension reside. Inquire about Saul, David, Solomon, and all the kings that followed. Consider the Sanhedrin of Jesus’ era: they were selfish in their motives and money hungry, and paid a huge price in the course of history. Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70 and then there was the forced exile and dispersal of all Jews from Palestine region by the Roman legions in AD 135.
Consider carefully the kind of leaders you elect into office. Support for re-election only those who continue to submit to the interests of the people and the will of God.
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
But Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them. It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many.” Matt 20:25-28 (HCSB)
October 21, 2009 at 5:43 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #197: Assume Nothing, Take Nothing for Granted!
Know well the condition of your flock, and pay attention to your herds, for wealth is not forever; not even a crown lasts for all time. When hay is removed and new growth appears and the grain from the hills is gathered in, lambs will provide your clothing, and goats, the price of a field; there will be enough goat’s milk for your food—food for your household and nourishment for your servants. Prov 27:23-27 (HCSB)
Life requires diligence, dedication, discipline, dedication and certainly determination. There is no place for those who like to just float on what little success they have had. We are either climbing mountains or sliding downhill. The level places in life are short and can set you up for defeat and disappointment, if you are not wary about the path that lies ahead. Or, give you a breather as you continue on the upward path that lies ahead.
According to God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom found in God’s Word, life is full of trials, tribulations, and times of testing for a purpose! Our “faith walk” needs constant exercise to grow and become stronger for the really tough times in life. No one walks through their lifetime without some strain and pain along the journey. It is part of God’s plan for all of us to build us up, not to break us down. God also promises to never give us more than we can handle. He is our personal trainer in our daily spiritual workouts, and the stress we feel through life certainly makes us appreciate our life when the stress is removed.
This passage also points to the fact that we should constantly be alert and aware of our responsibilities towards those God has entrusted us. We are to be strong enough to care for them as well, and to nurture their growth. God uses us as His laborers in the field to sow the seeds, to water and tend the fields until new life sprouts. We are all also to be like shepherds, just as He and His Son were shepherds of their flocks. As we have the ability and capacity to be vigilant and responsible, God places some of His sheep in our care for a period of time. He expects us to watch over and protect His sheep, just as He would. And, it is all those periods of trials, tribulations, and testing that have made us into acceptable shepherds in His eyes.
Yet, God also is a very loving and gracious Great Shepherd. He rewards us well for being good and faithful stewards of His flock and fields. So rejoice in what seems like difficult times in our lives, and especially when you feel overwhelmed and accountable to so many people – God is entrusting you with His prized possessions, and is relying upon you to be His appointed and anointed mentor and caretaker for them.
For me personally, there are days I wonder about my capacity to be an effective father, grandfather, teacher, coach, and Bible study leader. And, I do complain when I feel overwhelmed, but then I recognize the enormous responsibility God has entrusted me with and the privilege of serving in the roles I do. Then, it all makes sense and I find the strength and wisdom that I thought I lacked. Thank you Lord! Your servant is smiling this morning and is ready for the challenges and opportunities of another great day!
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
Then Jesus went to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” Matt 9:35-38 (HCSB)
oHi
October 19, 2009 at 5:48 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #195: Accountability Partners are Protect Each Other
The sensible see danger and take cover; the foolish keep going and are punished. Take his garment, for he has put up security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for foreigners. If one blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be counted as a curse to him. An endless dripping on a rainy day and a nagging wife are alike. The one who controls her controls the wind and grasps oil with his right hand. Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Prov 27:12-17 (HCSB)
As we go through life there will be many challenges and temptations in which we may stumble and fall prey, but when we have an “accountability partner,” there will be far less chance of stumbling and becoming the easy prey of others. We all need someone who can have our back; who will be willing to walk side-by-side with us; and come face-to-face with us to challenge and encourage us, when it is necessary. With such an “accountability partner” will have a valued second opinion that we trust to help us from being tempted and from being caught in schemes of evil intentions. Our partner can keep us from becoming the unknowing fool who is blinded by life’s temptations, whose good intentions can bring harm to their self and others, and who has become a source of contention with your spouse.
Yes, as a sidebar comment, this passage about the nagging wife is not to bring a bad light upon your wife, but yourself. If you are wandering around acting like the fool; making poor choices, annoying everyone around you – don’t you think she will be annoyed and embarrassed as well? What you perceive as nagging is her trying to assume the role as your accountability partner! So don’t support the notion that you are not only acting like the fool, but you are actually becoming the fool by believing you control and manipulate her. Her love for you will compel her to do whatever it takes to get you to stop being the fool, and return to seeking God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word – just as you did when you first got married. Your wife should be your best “accountability partner,” so don’t ignore what you perceive as nagging.
However, in addition to a loving, caring and sensible wife, every man should have at least one other man in his life that can be free to say what needs to be said and take whatever action is needed to keep you from stumbling and falling prey to evil schemes. This last verse is instrumental to the success of every Christian man! An accountability partnership goes two-ways, and you and your partner must work together to protect each other. There may be things going on in your life that may be hard to share with your spouse, and your partner is the one you can share anything. Admit your temptations and challenges, and share your thoughts before they become actions, and discuss concerns and fears, long before they become actions you have to explain or seek forgiveness about. Open and discuss God’s Word together, and share prayer concerns.
In the end, the best of all the partners in your life is the Lord Himself. Make Him the three-way partner in your marriage relationship and in your accountability partnership, and you will most certainly avoid stumbling and falling prey to evil schemes. The Lord will guide all concerned into what it means to sacrificially give to protect the others you love. And, above all, never, never walk life alone, in your own wisdom! That is the path of fools.
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? And what agreement does God’s sanctuary have with idols? For we are the sanctuary of the living God, as God said: I will dwell among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people. Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord; do not touch any unclean thing, and I will welcome you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty. 2 Cor 6:14-18 (HCSB)
Next entries »
2010. Powered by